24/8/2012 - Fire apprentices reporting for duty

Eight new recruits are embarking on an exciting apprenticeship programme with Cumbria County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service.

On Monday 3 September the apprentices will be starting their roles at the county’s new fire headquarters in Penrith.

The lucky eight, aged between 18 and 24, are taking an Advanced Apprenticeship in Emergency Fire Service Operations which will see them experience a wide range of duties across the fire and rescue service including conducting home fire safety visits and even attending emergency incidents.

The apprenticeships will last for two years, during which time the apprentices will have the chance to obtain qualifications including BTECs and Diplomas.

Towards the end of the two years they will then get the opportunity to be considered for job vacancies with Cumbria County Council.

To mark their first day as members of the fire and rescue service, the apprentices are being welcomed at the new fire headquarters by Cumbria County Council leader Eddie Martin, cabinet member for organisational development Liz Mallinson and cabinet member for community safety and local services Gary Strong.

Councillor Mallinson said: “These apprenticeships are a great opportunity for young people to be part of Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and be involved in helping deliver a vital, life-saving service across the county.

“Cumbria County Council’s commitment to apprenticeships is part of our long term vision to develop a thriving economy in Cumbria and make it a place where young people will want to live and work in the future.

“I’m sure our apprentices will find their apprenticeships highly rewarding and gain a tremendous amount from the experience.”

Councillor Strong said: “I’m looking forward to welcoming our apprentices to Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and I hope they’ll quickly feel a part of our team.”

For their first 10 weeks the apprentices will mainly be based at the new Penrith fire headquarters then after that they’ll be working around the county.

The apprenticeships were advertised earlier this year as part of an ongoing drive by Cumbria County Council to recruit apprentices in a range of areas including business administration, youth work and health and social care.

Cumbria County Council is the only authority in the North West offering fire service apprenticeships and only the second nationally to do so.

This commitment to apprenticeships has been recognised with Cumbria County Council being selected as a finalist for the North West Apprentice Employer of the Year awards.